The pace of the action is really starting to pick up with this volume, which is the fifth in The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series. Things have also really shifted, the Newman twins, who are fated to play a major role in the battle that will decide the fate of the world, are no longer united. Sophie continues to work with Nicholas, his wife Perry, and their friends while her brother Josh has switched sides and joined John Dee, who was the former astrologer for Queen Elizabeth I turned evil immortal, and his companion, the lovely and dangerous Virginia Dare.

Dee is hoping to pool together all the ancient and evil monsters from the mythologies of the world and let the loose to wreak havoc on San Francisco. The hope is that the devastation will allow the Ancients and the Elders to return and save the day, allowing them to take on the mantle of gods and rule over the world.

Sophie is getting an opportunity to learn about the immortals and the ancient generations as she works with the Flamels and their allies. In the process, the readers gets in the information, too. The book ends with a surprising twist tied to what Sophie is learning.

Some of the other heroes that have popped up throughout the series have showed up in the very ancient past in Danu Talis, which is better known today as Atlantis. It is here that the fight between the Ancients and their offspring began, and it is starting to look like that is where/when the battle will end.

While the books are quick-paced, little chronological time has passed. In fact, the five books have all taken place in a one-week period. I am really looking forward to, what is likely to be, an epic conclusion in the final book. My understanding is that it will be called The Enchantress, and it is due out next summer.